How to Treat Cystitis at Home: The Most Effective and Safe Remedies, Tips, and Expert Recommendations
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. Unfortunately, this condition is well known to many women. There are numerous reasons for its occurrence. In the acute stage, when severe pain and fever are present, it is necessary to see a specialist. However, if the illness does not cause significant discomfort, it is possible to turn to home treatment of cystitis in women using folk remedies.
If a girl or woman develops the first symptoms of the disease, before starting treatment with home remedies, it is still advisable to consult a doctor. Herbs are generally safe, but they may have contraindications.
Many doctors approve of home remedies and recommend using them together with medical therapy. However, it is worth remembering that during exacerbation of cystitis, folk remedies alone are unlikely to help. Therefore, if after seven days of using folk remedies you do not notice improvement, you should see a doctor.
Let us consider in more detail how cystitis can be treated at home with folk remedies.
Tips for Treatment
If you decide to start treatment on your own, the following advice will help you:
Drink plenty of water
Water reduces the number of bacteria in the urine and helps flush them out. It is best if it is warm. Herbal teas are an excellent choice. Pour boiling water over equal parts of plantain, linden blossom, willowherb, and parsley. This mixture will help relieve painful symptoms and inflammation. You can also drink any other herbal tea. Ideally, drink at least one cup every hour.
Reduce urine acidity
Prepare the following mixture: squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass, add water, and mix with 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda. Drink this three times a day before meals. Cranberry juice is also very beneficial.
Use a hot water bottle
If you feel pain, apply a hot water bottle to the lower abdomen to relieve symptoms.
Eat alkaline foods
Cystitis thrives in an acidic environment, so eat more alkaline foods: cabbage, green vegetables, salads. Add onions and garlic to your diet for their antibacterial effects. Pineapple is also useful as it reduces inflammation.
Avoid sweets and spicy foods
Eliminate pastries, cookies, cheese, ketchup, orange juice, and mayonnaise.
Additional supportive measures:
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Get plenty of rest; bed rest is ideal if possible.
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Stay warm and avoid hypothermia.
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Maintain intimate hygiene.
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Wear underwear made of natural fabrics.
Folk Remedies
Dill
Dill seeds are particularly effective. A decoction based on them relieves inflammation, reduces pain, and kills bacteria. Dill contains vitamins A, B, C, and E, essential oils, and important minerals (phosphorus, calcium, iron).
To prepare an infusion, take 1 tablespoon of dried dill seeds and pour over 1 cup of boiling water. Let it infuse for 3 hours. Drink 100 ml a couple of times a day.
Note: dill-based remedies are not recommended for people with low blood pressure or gallbladder problems.
Millet
Millet decoction is a wonderful home remedy for cystitis. Mix 2 tablespoons of millet with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and remove from heat immediately after boiling. Let it infuse for 5 minutes, then strain.
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On the first day, take 1 tablespoon every hour.
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On the second day, triple the dose.
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On the third day, you can drink half a glass.
Continue treatment for 7 days.
Millet contains starch, vitamins, protein, microelements, and fiber.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a powerful natural healer with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties.
Popular chamomile-based remedies for cystitis:
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Infusion: 1 tablespoon of chamomile per cup of boiling water. Let it infuse for 15 minutes. Drink 1/3 cup three times a day with meals.
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Sitz baths: Add 2 tablespoons of chamomile to 1 liter of boiling water, boil briefly, then cool. Use for intimate washing several times a day.
Chamomile not only relieves acute symptoms but also helps in chronic cystitis. Remedies are more effective when combined: for example, drinking chamomile tea while also using chamomile baths.